Former town employee accused of selling drugs arraigned

Police allege Paul Andrade sold Carolyn Oliveira drugs in the parking lot of town hall.

A former town employee accused of selling drugs in the town hall parking lot faced a judge for his arraignment on August 22.

Paul Andrade, 42, of Fall River, was released on his own personal recognizance following his arraignment at New Bedford District Court, according to court documents. Andrade is charged with drug distribution and conspiracy to violate drug laws.

The former Dartmouth Water Department employee is accused of selling suboxone strips to another former town employee, utility billing clerk Carolyn Oliveira. The two worked for the town at the time.

According to court documents, Dartmouth police surveilled the town hall parking lot in April after receiving a tip. On April 27, detectives observed Andrade pull into the parking lot driving a town vehicle and retrieve money from Oliveira’s car. When confronted by police, Andrade allegedly admitted he sold Oliveira 52 suboxone strips for $10 each every month, according to court documents.

Oliveira confirmed she bought the drugs from Andrade when she was questioned by police, according to court documents. Her pocketbook was searched, and a suboxone strip wrapping was found inside.

Neither Oliveira nor Andrade were arrested at the scene. They were summonsed to appear in front of a court magistrate to determine probable cause to file criminal charges. The magistrate determined that there was not probable cause to try Oliveira for drug possession because no drugs were found on her person, but did find probable cause to try Andrade.

Oliveira resigned from her position in the town collector’s office in May. Andrade resigned from his position in the water department on June 4.